Second-largest state of the US, Texas is so big area-wise and diversity-wise, that it’s a country on it’s own. It has great variety in its landscape, which ranges from deserts to coastlines to beautiful mountains to elegant valleys. For visitors, the things that they can do and see in texas are countless.
There are certain places that come up in the conversation when it comes to visiting Texas. Places like San Antonio’s River Walk, The Alamo, Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the list goes on. These are beautiful and amazing places that visitors like to go more than once. But what about some of the hidden gems of Texas. Places that probably don’t get as much attention as these popular sites. Let’s check out some of The Most Beautiful Places in Texas You Didn’t Know Existed.
Boca Chica Beach
Texas is a place that’s home to several beautiful beaches. Boca Chica Beach often flies under the radar. Situated 23 miles east of Brownsville, sitting on the peninsula divided from Mexico by the Rio Grande River, this beach is brimming with beauty and quaint atmosphere.
This is an ideal spot if you want to drive on sand, go camping, engage in fishing, and swim in the gorgeously clear water. One also gets to see cool animals like Kemp’s ridley sea turtle— probably the most endangered sea turtle in the world. You can also see Aplomado and peregrine falcons as they migrate to this place from time to time. Also, keep your eyes open for the beautiful Portuguese man o’ war, a jellyfish-esque creature.
Comfort, Texas
What an appropriately named town! When it was established in 1854 by the German settlers, they were so impressed by this picturesque, nature-friendly town that they literally named it “Comfort.” Filled with vintage structures, much of the town is marked under the National Register of Historic places. James Kiehl Riverbend Park is a lovely place for enjoying the scenic beauty and have a nice outing.
There are several activities that you could do here. Go fishing, swimming, hunting, camping. Antique shopping enthusiasts would feel right at home, as this place provides plenty of opportunities for that. It offers beautiful scenic drives. A 17 mile drive to Kerrville, drive to Bandera are some of the highlights.
Hueco Tanks State Park, El Paso
Located on the eastside of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park is home for animals, historical artifacts, while being situated among the beautiful, low-lying, mountains rising out of Chihuahuan Desert. Varieties of animals that reside here are quite impressive. They include bobcat, gray fox, javelina, raccoon, and mountain lion. It also comprises of Twenty five species of snakes, including five types of rattlesnakes, along with 17 species of lizard. There are more than 200 species of birds that reside at Hueco Tanks, making it a popular place of visit for bird enthusiasts.
There are thousands of ancient pictographs— which depict hand-prints, snakes, humans, weapons— that are left by the Jornada Mogollon people. It’s a rare rock-art that’s preserved in the Hueco Tanks.
Caverns of Sonora
From 15 miles southwest of Sonora texas, we have Caverns of Sonora. It’s recognized by everyone as one of the most beautiful show caves on earth. It has one of the most extensive collections of calcite crystal formation. It presents visitors with many options; they can go hiking, have some homemade fudge, or relax in the lap of nature.
Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg
Located in the Llano Uplift approximately 27 km north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain that offers a unique experience to its visitors. This is a place that boasts of rich folklore, one of which is that Apache and Comanche tribes ascribed magical powers to the rock, that’s why it was named ‘Enchanted Rock.’ The myth making is due to the fact that Enchanted Rock makes audible creaking noises when a cool night follows a warm day. It is really due to the contraction of the outer surface of the rock. But the legend has created around it anyway.
The rock has a cave that’s 1500 feet long. This is one of the longest granite talus caves. Artifacts that are dating as back as11,000 years are also found here. This cave is allowed to explore for visitors.
Caddo Lake
Spread across 25,400 acres on the border between Texas and louisiana, Caddo Lake is named after a Southeastern culture of Native Americans called Caddoans. It’s the largest naturally-formed freshwater lake in texas. It’s a place that is rich in history and scenic beauty. Visitors can take a boating trip across the lake along with their tourist guides and soak in the dreamlike beauty of this place. You can also attend volunteer led nature hikes through Caddo Lake State Park.
Hamilton Pool
Mere 23 miles west of Austin, Texas, Hamilton Pool is a stunningly beautiful natural oasis formed in the limestone bedrock. The abundant freshwater has allowed vegetation and helped in the growth of vast varieties of trees around the pool, thus forming what is now a protected nature preserve. Visitors will have a great time taking a hike through this lush canyon. Swimming is not allowed every time, but when it is, there is no perfect place to indulge yourself in some water activities.
Conclusion
There is a popular saying that everything is bigger in Texas. In this case, it’s not just a saying. You could have the most memorable experiences of your life visiting these places. They may seem like they won’t be all that memorable, but don’t judge a place based on how popular it already is. These places may lack in popularity, but that doesn’t take away the virtue they posses. Each of these destinations can provide you with a unique experience.…